Automate Your Warehouse With Portugal 2030 Funding
The SICE Productive Innovation program funds up to 60% of automation investments. Learn how to apply for WMS, AMRs, and logistics equipment.
If you have already read our article on when warehouse automation makes sense, you know that a WMS pays back in 6 to 18 months and that an AMR fleet can replace 4 to 6 positions. What many companies do not know is that Portugal 2030 can fund up to 60% of these investments through the SICE Productive Innovation program.
This article details how the two most relevant programs for warehouse automation work, with concrete project examples and funding rates.
SICE Productive Innovation: The Main Program
The SICE (Business Competitiveness Incentive System) Productive Innovation is the Portugal 2030 program that funds investments in productive capacity, modernization, and automation (COMPETE 2030).
What it funds in a warehouse:
- Machines and equipment: forklifts (electric or conventional), automated racking, picking systems, conveyors, AGVs, AMRs.
- Software: WMS, logistics ERP, TMS, warehouse management software.
- IT equipment: servers, barcode scanners, RFID, industrial tablets.
- Fit-out works: up to 35% of eligible investment (space adaptation for automation).
- Engineering and consulting services: up to 20% of total (studies, diagnostics, audits, implementation plans).
The SICE Productive Innovation program explicitly includes forklifts, shelving, racking, and storage equipment in the list of eligible expenses. It is not just for advanced robotics.
Funding Rates: How Much Can You Receive
Rates vary by location and company size:
Other Territories (mixed model):
| Component | Micro/Small | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Non-refundable grant | Up to 30% | Up to 25% |
| Credit line (reimbursable) | Up to 20% | Up to 15% |
| Maximum total | 50% | 40% |
The reimbursable component is managed by Banco Portugues de Fomento and can be partially converted into a non-refundable grant based on meeting project targets (job creation, exports).
Low-Density Territories (grant only):
| Sub-region | Micro/Small | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 50% | Up to 40% |
| Alto Alentejo / Beiras e Serra da Estrela | Up to 60% | Up to 50% |
SICE provides cumulative top-ups: +5 percentage points for Industry 4.0 alignment, +5 for climate transition, +2 to +5 for qualified job creation, and +5 for capitalization (own financing of 50% or more of equity). Combined, these can push the rate toward the maximum cap.
SICE SME Qualification: For Digitalization
For investments more focused on software and digital transformation, the SICE SME Qualification is the alternative (COMPETE 2030):
- Rate: 50% non-refundable (COMPETE 2030 regions and Algarve), 40% in Lisbon.
- Minimum investment: 200,000 euros.
- Requirement: the project must cover at least 2 of the 8 eligible domains.
The most relevant domains for warehouses:
| Domain | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Digitalization and Digital Transformation | Process automation (BPM), AI, data analytics, cybersecurity |
| Organizational Innovation and Management | Information systems for distribution and logistics (WMS, TMS) |
| Knowledge Transfer | Industry 4.0 roadmap consulting, technical assistance |
| Quality and Certification | Initial certifications (ISO, etc.) |
| Sustainability and Eco-innovation | Environmental certifications, ESG |
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Three Concrete Project Examples
Example 1: WMS + Consulting (200,000 euros)
An SME that needs to implement a WMS but whose investment (150,000 euros) does not reach the SICE Productive Innovation minimum (300,000 euros). Solution: apply to SICE SME Qualification, combining WMS (Domain 2) with Industry 4.0 roadmap consulting (Domain 7) and certification (Domain 6). At a 50% rate, the support can reach 100,000 euros.
Example 2: AMR Fleet + Racking (400,000 euros)
A company in Other Territories invests in 5 AMRs (250,000 euros) and new automated racking (150,000 euros). Through SICE Productive Innovation, a micro enterprise receives 30% non-refundable (120,000 euros) plus 20% reimbursable credit line (80,000 euros). With the Industry 4.0 top-up (+5 p.p.), total support can reach 220,000 euros.
Example 3: Complete SICE + SITCE Package (800,000 euros)
The most complete scenario, combining two programs for the same warehouse:
| Component | Program | Investment | Rate | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WMS + ERP | SICE IP | €120,000 | 30% | €36,000 |
| 5 AMRs | SICE IP | €250,000 | 30% | €75,000 |
| Automated racking | SICE IP | €130,000 | 30% | €39,000 |
| Intelligent LED | SITCE | €80,000 | 85% | €68,000 |
| Efficient HVAC | SITCE | €120,000 | 30% (building) | €36,000 |
| Solar panels | SITCE | €100,000 | 85% | €85,000 |
| Total | €800,000 | €339,000 |
You can combine SICE and SITCE for different components of the same warehouse, but each expense can only be funded by one program. The WMS goes to SICE; the LED lighting goes to SITCE.
SICE vs SITCE: Which to Use for What
| Investment | SICE Productive Innovation | SITCE Decarbonization |
|---|---|---|
| WMS / ERP | Yes | No |
| AMRs / AGVs | Yes | No |
| Racking and shelving | Yes | No |
| Conveyors | Yes | No |
| Electric forklifts (new) | Yes | Yes (if replacing diesel) |
| LED lighting | No | Yes (up to 85%) |
| Solar panels | No | Yes (complementary, up to 30%) |
| HVAC / heat pumps | No | Yes |
| Thermal insulation | No | Yes |
The rule is simple: productive equipment and software go to SICE; energy efficiency and decarbonization go to SITCE. For a detailed explanation of SITCE, see our article on how to finance solar panels for your warehouse.
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Requirements and Eligibility
Common requirements for SICE applications:
- Certified SME by IAPMEI (DL 372/2007). Large enterprises are not eligible.
- Minimum investment: 300,000 euros (Productive Innovation) or 200,000 euros (SME Qualification).
- Financial autonomy: minimum 15%.
- Tax and social security compliance.
- Not a company in difficulty.
- Maximum project duration: 24 months.
Unlike the SITCE General Regime (which excludes Lisbon), SICE Productive Innovation and SICE SME Qualification include the Lisbon region. Rates may be lower (40% in Qualification), but companies in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area can apply.
Deadlines and Calendar
| Program | Status | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| SICE IP (Low Density) | Phase 2 open | Until 31/03/2026 |
| SICE IP (Other Territories) | Pre-registration available | Opening expected 30/04/2026 |
| SICE SME Qualification | Last call closed | New call expected 2026 |
| SITCE Decarbonization | Phase 2 open | Until 29/05/2026 |
Pre-registration (RPA) for SICE Productive Innovation in Other Territories is already available on the COMPETE 2030 platform. Getting this step done saves time when the call opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forklifts, automated racking, AGVs, AMRs, conveyors, WMS, ERP, IT equipment, fit-out works (up to 35% of total), and engineering and consulting services (up to 20%). The minimum investment is 300,000 euros.
In Other Territories, up to 50% for micro/small enterprises (30% non-refundable + 20% reimbursable) and 40% for medium. In Low-Density Territories, up to 60% non-refundable for micro/small enterprises.
Yes, standard and custom software (including WMS and ERP) is eligible as an intangible asset. If the total investment does not reach the 300,000-euro SICE IP minimum, SICE SME Qualification (minimum 200,000 euros, up to 50%) is the alternative.
Yes, for different components. SICE funds automation and software; SITCE funds energy efficiency. The same expense cannot be funded by both programs.
Yes. SICE Productive Innovation and SICE SME Qualification include the Lisbon region, unlike the SITCE General Regime. Rates may be lower (40% in Qualification), but the region is eligible.
The opening is expected on April 30, 2026. Pre-registration is already available on the COMPETE 2030 platform. The Low-Density Territories call is open until March 31, 2026.
In Other Territories, part of the support is a credit line through Banco Portugues de Fomento that must be repaid. This component can be partially converted into a non-refundable grant if the company meets project targets (job creation, exports).
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